i've sent my 2nd tourist visa app to travisa...the 1st 1 was during the holiday season 12/03 for a mocambique visa for feb [yes i dillydallied, could have sent it in earlier] but needed it due to 3 european trips [mrs] in jan...sweated it out & got pp back the day before 1st mr....

but, on topic...i hope that there is a typo in your post, for $10k in fees to recover, an attorney would be in order....i have encountered less than friendly people in immigration in brazil at iguasu, but smooth sailing at manaus....good luck on your recovery...sorry i can't comment on business visas....however, i have been lead to believe that reciprocity w/usa is a factor in their attitudes.